UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ

X-ray tomographic studyof wetting bentonite

Tero HarjupatanaDepartment of Physics, University of Jyväskylä

BOA seminar 19.8.2014

Goal

To develop and apply experimental techniquesbased on X-ray tomography (CT) in order to

provide data for finding the relevanthydromechanical and transport properties ofwetting bentoniteprovide a data bank for validatinghydromechanical models of bentonite buffer

Utilize CT to measure water content of wettingand swelling bentonite in 3D as a function of time(4D imaging)

X-ray tomographyA non-invasive 3D imaging method

Parts– X-ray source (a)– Sample (b)– Detector (c)– Computer

Procedure– X-ray images from

different angles (scan)– Reconstruction

(~ 3D density map)– Data analysis and

visualization

(a)

(b)(c)

X-ray images 3D visualization

CT device and measuringprinciple

Skyscan 1172 micro-CT– Table top device– Best resolution ~ 2 µm– Max practical sample size

~ 3.0 x 1.5 cm– Scanning time 1 h – 1 day

Measuring principle:– Sequential CT imaging of bentonite sample during

wetting (2 days – 2 weeks)– 3D displacement due to swelling found by image

correlation technique– Water content analyzed using difference images

Requirements

StabilityOptimal selection ofmeasuring parametersCareful calibration andcompensation of imagingartefacts– Latest development: ”Dynamic

Flat-field correction”

Al plates withdifferent thicknessare used in DynamicFlat-field correction

Samples and sample holder

Compacted cylindrical bentonite sample doped with smallmarker particles (hollow glass spheres)Sample is held in a constant volume (2.3 cm3) andwetted through one end

Measurement details

Reference scan of dry sampleWetting initiatedScans at appropriate times, typically 10 times in1-2 weeks. Duration of one scan ~ 45 minThe total mass of water in the sample isachieved by weighings

X-ray image Reconstructed slice 3D visualization

Deformation analysis

Block-matching (BM)algorithm in 3DRubber sample andCOMSOL were usedto test BM

COMSOL

BM

Water content analysis

Water content can be calculated if the partial densities ofwater and bentonite are known ( = w/ b)Linear equation for bentonite-water system isConstants ab and aw are determined by calibrationsamplesThe initial and the new density of bentonite can becalculated from dry image and deformations respectively

Dry sample ( 0) Wetted sample ( 1) Difference ( = 1 - 0)

+

Method validation

Sample preparation,reference scan andwetting were done asbeforeThe sample was scannedat some intermediate timeThe sample was removedand cutted into slicesWater content of the sliceswas determined by dryingin ovenWater content was alsocalculated with the CTmethod

Water content and deformations

Water content

Water content in 1DW

ater

cont

ent[

%]

t [days]

Ideal diffusionMeasured water content

Swelling pressure

Bentonite: MP Biomedicals (purified)Dry density: 1.23 g/cm3

Water: Allard-pH-7 (TDS ~ 0.26 g/L)

Bentonite: CaMT (27 %), NaMT (73 %)Dry density: 1.31 g/cm3

Water: Posiva ref. 2 (TDS = 10 g/L)

Conclusions

4D X-ray tomographic imaging method formonitoring deformation and water transport inswelling bentonite completed (finally)The method allows measuring– 3D displacement field– 3D water content distribution ( b and w) and– swelling pressure from both ends

as a function of timeNext step: application to MX-80 bentonite

UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ

Thank you

Effect of wetting pressure

Time [days]

Wat

erco

nten

t[%

]

Time [days]Pr

essu

re[k

Pa]